A Visit From Greg!

Last December, a familiar face appeared on Facebook. He hadn’t changed much since we last saw each other 30+ years ago. The only significant change was the town he was residing in…Vienna, Austria.

When he made the announcement he was coming state side, I made a point to meet with him. He was interested in reconnecting and told me to make the proper arrangements. I choose Glen Manor Vineyards for our meet and he truly enjoyed his first visit to a Virginia Winery.

A few weeks ago, he gave me the heads up that he would be visiting his mother over the Thanksgiving holiday. He told me to pick the venue and we could talk about the good ole days once again.

Greg was open to either beer or wine and I decided to show him the Vineyards of Frederick County.

We met in town and I proceeded to the Shenandoah valley’s northern most wineries. Our first stop was James Charles Winery. One of Virginia’s newer Vineyards, it is part of the Bogaty Family Wine Group which includes 2 other wineries Veramar Vineyard in Berryville & Bogati Winery in Round Hill.

Since opening last August, James Charles is making some noise with their red wines.

Greg and I did a tastings and decided to get a bottle of Petit Verdot. Rich Garnet in color, dark cherry and smoke on the nose. Complex red berry flavors with a dry spicy, chewy finish. This is your steak, burger wine even fish and chips would go well with this wine.

I believe Greg said: “This wine has the legs of a super model!” We will go with that!

The day was gorgeous and we decided to take advantage of the warm November weather and enjoy their patio. Our next stop will keep us indoors as the sun began to set but this vineyard has evening hours which is a great perk, Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery.

It was almost 4 years ago that I stumbled upon this vineyard as I was taking back roads home due to heavy traffic on I-81. Tish and I visit often, knowing Greg is partial to Merlot, he will not be disappointed in their Merlot Reserve.

Subtle earthy notes with a touch of leather on the bouquet. Soft, warm flavors of currants and black cherries. Nice concentration and fruit forward that transcends to supple dry/low spice flavors on the finish. This is a true pasta wine that could be enjoyed by itself or with an after dinner cigar.

Greg is very impressed with how enjoyable the wines are in Virginia. I told him that when he comes back for another visit, we will take in some other vineyards in the surrounding area. With more than 30 within a 25 mile radius, we have plenty to choose from. And so do you!

Get out and visit the areas wineries and show your support for Virginia’s wine industry.

Cheers!

The Class with Class

I grew up in a small town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. In my neighborhood there were kids at every house within a miles radius. We played until it got dark and when Momma hollered our names, we made sure we were home in the proper amount of time.

We all went to Toms Brook Elementary or as the locals call it “T.B.U.” [Toms Brook University], From 1st to 7th grade we graced the halls of that school. The funny thing is, the road I lived on was the counties imaginary line for where we were to attend high school. Those who lived on the north side of 655, like me, went to Strasburg High School in Strasburg. The south side, went to Central High School in Woodstock. Of course some choose to go to where they wanted. So it wasn’t set in stone.

Once we “graduated” from Middle School, my class was split down the middle. Half went to Central the other went to Strasburg.

One of the few things I remember from school (brain surgery has erased a lot of my childhood) was the first day of high school. My frail frame, all 4’ 11” and 80lbs walked down the hallway to my locker. Upper class men lined the row of lockers and I thought; “This isn’t so bad.”

I spoke too soon! 

Books knocked out of my hands and two goons on each side hoisted me on top of the lockers. I tried to get down but they advised me to stay put. Welcome to high school.

We’re gonna fast forward to my Senior year. I was still the skinny kid but I had grown to almost 6’ tall. I had a job with a local printer and was fortunate to be able to drive to and from school. No more buses.

As Seniors we were as cocky as the last class. But we were a unique bunch. Even though we had the obvious cliques, we all got along and if something or someone messed with us we United and our rednecks would show.

We have heard stories of how the educators at our school couldn’t wait until we graduated. How can a group of 18-year-olds be that bad?

There are many stories, here are a few…